Paris A/W ’12: We go beyond the brows at Chanel (and find a user-friendly look)

Fri, 9 March 2012 9:05AM

So, yes, they caused a pretty big stir this week. Even the news networks ran stories about Miranda Kerr’s semi-precious eyebrows at Chanel. This is probably about as much press as an eyebrow ever had, and it has to be said that Chanel’s creative director of make-up, Mr. Peter Philips, certainly made a splash with his glued-on mesh, stone-encrusted panels.

But there is no WAY we’re copying. Obviously. However, what we realised when looking at pics of the show, is that the hair and make-up is actually super-lovely, very simple and absolutely perfect for everyday chic. Without the brows, natch.

First, the face: Philips used a full-coverage base (hallelujah!) in the form of Chanel Mat Lumière Fluid Foundation, $72, then simply enhanced cheeks and lids with a new, do-it-all product from the brand, which isn’t on sale yet. And while we wait with bated breath for it to hit the shelves to see what it’s like, we’ll probably copy the look with something like Chanel Les Tissages de Chanel Blush Duo Tweed Effect in Tweed Pink, $77, lightly dusted over cheekbones and blended onto eyes. Simple and pretty.

Then the hair: High-shine is back – hooray! And we think this sleek ponytail is a great example of how classically stylish it can be. Hair director Sam McKnight created a uniform look on models thanks to a shine-enhancing gel (try Sebastian Gel Forte, $36), combed throughout the hair, which was then stretched back into a taut ponytail, positioned smack-bang in the middle of the back of the head. Not higher, not lower, and with a few strands wound around the elastic for a precision result. It’s don’t-mess-with-me hair at its finest (and just the thing for a rainy day).

*Beauty note for other Chanel tragics like us: as you’re well aware, the nail polish shade from every Chanel show becomes an instant cult buy, sells out almost as soon as it hits the shelves, and spurs numerous copies. This season, the Le Vernis de Chanel shade you’ll be queuing for is called Frenzy. It’s a pale lilac-grey-beige shade of gorgeous (seen in photo below), will cost $39 and hits the counter on August 5th. Commence the wait!

Posted by: Emily Taylor

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Tags: a/w '12, blush, chanel, cult beauty products, foundation, full coverage, miranda kerr, nail polish, paris fashion week, peter philips, ponytail, runway hair, runway makeup, sam mcknight, sebastian professional, shiny